Indulge in the comforting flavors of Smothered Buttermilk Chicken with Peas, a soul-warming dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in tangy buttermilk seasoned with aromatic spices, then lightly dredged in flour for a golden sear that locks in flavor and creates a crispy texture. The rich, creamy gravy—made from a scratch roux, chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream—delivers the ultimate savory punch, while vibrant peas add a burst of sweetness and color to the plate. Serve this hearty dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: buttermilk chicken, creamy gravy, smothered chicken recipe, chicken thigh recipes, comfort food, skillet dinners.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and lightly pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Spread the all-purpose flour onto a plate and season it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Whisk in the leftover flour used for dredging and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then stir in the heavy cream.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the gravy over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, place the frozen peas in a small saucepan with 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken thighs smothered in gravy with a side of warm peas. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Calories |
3504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 241.8 g | 310% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.0 g | 435% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 938 mg | 313% | |
| Sodium | 6605 mg | 287% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.1 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.4 g | ||
| Protein | 197.2 g | 394% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 496 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2949 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.